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Monday, April 23, 2007

Welcome to my blog. I'm definitely a "word geek" but html is one thing I don't read or write, so this site was put together for me by the talented Susie at Bluebird Blogs. Bear with me as I now get all my parts filled in. Check back over the coming weeks - I'm looking forward to connecting with you!

I just finished a book for David C. Cook publishers for release September 2010 called

It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know

Keep your eye out for it this fall.

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At the age of 21, Christ reached out and turned my heart right side up. Shortly after, I discovered a small Christian bookstore around the corner from my apartment. I read nearly all the books in that little mom-and-pop shop!

And I’m still reading Christian books today. For me, the words in those pages serve as mentor, encourager, challenger and friend. That’s why I write - with earnest hope that my words can do the same for someone else on their journey with God.

I always say I’m really just a word-geek at heart, who has fallen in love with the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.

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Looking for a women's devotional? Like P31's online devotions? This is for you: God's Purpose for Every Woman. This devotional book was written by myself and the gals at P31, featuring over a hundred of our most popular Encouragement for Today devotions.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to support Proverbs 31 Ministries and help fund the free online devotions for the more than 350,000 subscribers around the world who enjoy them.

Are you signed up for the free daily devotional Encouragement for Today? If not, subscribe for free. I usually have a devotion or two published there each month.

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I was a featured in the August '07 issue of the P31 Woman magazine. My article was inspired by the Dog Whisperer - surely you've seen his show on the National Geographic channel. It fascinates me how he straightens out neurotic dogs so quickly!

He reminds me of Jesus, my Soul Whisperer.

Here's the feautre article in its published (copy-righted) form: Soul Whisperer by Rachel Olsen

I’m a huge fan of Cesar Millan. He is the star of the National Geographic channel’s hit show The Dog Whisperer. You’ve simply got to see this show. Cesar goes into dog owners’ homes and transforms the most out-of-control dogs into man’s adorable best friend. Be it a stubborn Poodle, a rebellious Pit Bull, or a hyperactive Chihuahua, Cesar deftly brings them into calm, happy submission.

I confess to watching multiple episodes in one sitting. I often look for a notepad to write down something Cesar said. Did I mention that I don’t currently own a dog?

It’s not Cesar’s mega-watt smile that holds my attention. It’s his totally-in-control-yet-tranquil presence that amazes me and tames these beasts. Cesar calls it “calm, assertive energy” and it oozes from every cell in his being. He walks into the room and the weight of his presence takes charge of the dogs, often without a single word. (The humans pretty much fall in line too!) With a single look into his eyes, these dogs know he is the pack leader. When he does communicate verbally with them, it’s typically with a whispering sound. Shhh. A dog’s excited behavior like tail-chasing or excessive barking may appear to us as normal dog-antics, but Cesar says it’s actually the sign of an unbalanced dog in need of boundaries and purpose. Cesar says dogs are happiest serving in submission to a loving master, and he demonstrates that every episode. Cesar coaxes peace from doggie chaos.

Jesus has a similar effect on me. At times I’m impulsive – I blame it on my hormones. At times I’m hot-headed – I blame that on my hormones too. Yes, I can be as high-strung and neurotic as Cesar’s canine cases. I can also be a perfectionist and when I fail I can grow depressed. Feeling unbalanced, I’ll seek familiarity and comfort – too often in the Ben & Jerry’s in my freezer! It’s then I need God’s help finding my way back into calm, happy submission.

Throughout the gospels I see Christ’s “calm, assertive energy” taming the impulsive, sometimes hot-headed disciple Peter. Peter and I are a lot alike. We both desire to trust and follow Christ. Yet by the time the rooster crows next, we can be totally focused on our circumstances with emotions flying. Then we feel depressed over our lack of spiritual consistency and run for our comfort zone. While my comfort zone might be ice cream, Peter’s was fishing.

After Jesus’ arrest, Peter verbally denied knowing Christ three different times, fearing for his own well-being. When he realized what he’d done, Peter sobbed. He must have felt like his world was out of balance, so Peter left the city and went back to what was familiar – fishing.

Days later the risen Jesus sought Peter along the shore of the sea and asked him, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Three times Jesus asked Peter this same question and three times Peter answered affirmatively, insisting, “Lord you know everything; you know that I love you!”

When I’m upset by life or disappointed in my shortcomings, Peter’s story helps me hear Jesus whispering to my own heart: Don’t get depressed and throw in the towel, Rachel, because you fear you’ve failed or let Me down. I know that you love Me. Get back in there and love others with this love.

Just like that, my self-pity party or self-punishment session is over. I’m no longer chasing my tail or biting everyone who comes near. Like a shoe-chewing puppy brought into calm submission by the presence of the Dog Whisperer, my stubborn selfishness and impatient perfectionism is tamed as I gaze into the face of Christ in the gospels. Jesus calms my senseless striving, alleviates my faithless fears and redirects my selfish actions. He is my Soul Whisperer.

Don’t worry; my husband is fully aware of my fascination with Cesar Millan. Rick laughingly claims watching the Dog Whisperer puts me in a “calm, submissive state,” which he’s been trying to accomplish for years! His joking has a ring of truth, because although I find it difficult to control my weight, anger, and tongue, the impulse to control my husband comes all too easy! I’m thankful God sent the Soul Whisperer – He can help me overcome each of these issues and more. I just have to listen for Jesus’ still, small voice speaking to my heart.

It’s not really the man Cesar Millan I find so appealing; it’s the biblical qualities of peace, patience, kindness, joy and self-control he displays. Watching the Dog Whisperer in action reminds me of the amazing qualities of my own gentle master, Jesus, and His unfailing ability to calm my anxious soul with just a whisper.

Years ago I came across a certain verse in the Old Testament. The words leapt compellingly off the page. It was as if God whispered, "Remember this." I had no idea why until three years later when I sat down with LysaTerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries. That verse was Jeremiah 15:19:

"Thereforethis is what the LORD says: 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.'"

It's my privilege to serve God by sharing His words of encouragement and truth with women around the country. My heart's passion is drawing women closer to Christ and one another.

*I am currently developing new speaking topics for the upcoming year - including the pursuit of happiness, the fulfillment of gratitude, and learning to trust in the goodness of God ... as well as topics from my new book It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know which releases this fall. Below you'll see some of my older topics. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss potential topics.

NEW TOPICS:Pleasing God: Lessons from a Former Fish DwellerWhat pleases God? What makes God’s heart tick? Jonah was a man of God – a prophet even – who thought he understood God’s heart. He had a lot to learn. What if we were to learn what makes God’s heart tick, and focus on that? How might it transform our relationship with Him and others? Taking you on a journey with Jonah, this message will help you discover God’s highest priorities for you. Come gain direction for your days and learn how to please the everlasting God.

TrustingHis Goodness
How do you react when troubles knock at your door? Panic? Hide? Pull the covers over your head and cry? What if you discovered how to draw confidence from the deep well of God’s goodness? Rachel knows what it’s like to face difficulties – loss, illness, debt. And she’s learned how to savor His goodness in both upbeat and downturned times. This encouraging message will grow your faith, helping you to:

• Answer the all important question: Is God really good? All the time? Can I trust Him?
• Find God’s goodness, even when everything around you is a mess
• Develop a mindset and heart-set that strengthens your faith

Divine Secrets of the Yahweh Sisterhood - keynote or retreat
Jesus said there are secrets in the Kingdom of God (Matt. 13:11). These secrets can transform your life into something simply divine! In this always popular message you’ll discover how God forges beauty and strength in our lives, realize how much we need one another, and find keys to living the abundant life. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as we uncover six divine secrets together. On the Catwalk - keynote
Ever been late because you couldn't decide what to wear? Get tired of feeling the pressure to look fabulous? The 3rd chapter of Colossians reveals God’s got a catwalk for you and I to walk -- in God-made clothes! Rachel will take you into God's dressing room for a custom fitting. We'll shed the ill-fitting clothes of perfectionism, envy and competition and put on tailor-made garments of grace, contentment and love. Forget becoming America’s Next Top Model ... strap on some cute, comfortable shoes and follow Rachel as we rise above the world's fickle demands and take our places on God's eternal catwalk.

Breathing Deep - retreat
Feeling maxed out? Searching for that sweet spot of stress-free living? The Creator of the air you breathe invites us to press into Him and learn how to breathe deep. With many of us managing hectic schedules and multiple demands, we're suspecting that there must be something more meaningful in life that making it through our to-do lists. We're right! Through Rachel's sessions you will:

Learn to recognize your sources of stress and how it affects you.

Learn to turn your troubles over to God, and find rest for your soul.

Walk away with practical tips for soothing your psyche as you discover how to manage and even embrace the daily stressors you face.

Increase you awareness of God's purposes for your life.

HOLIDAY TOPICS:

What Smart Women Can Learn From Wise Men
Follow the star to the Savior's side and discover the lessons of the Magi. In this inspiring message, we'll learn how to follow hard after God, bring Jesus our gifts, and avoid the "snares of Herod" that confront us today. Our eyes will be opened to the reality that there’s no greater gift God could give us than Himself, and there’s no greater gift we can offer Him in return.

A Cup of Christmas Tea
A tea party is like a spa for the soul. So let’s set aside the tangled tree lights and wrapping ribbon and press into God as we share some tea. In this message Rachel shares her testimony. Excellent for an evangelistic outreach; we’ll sip tea, talk tea, prepare our heart for Christmas and focus on how God steeps us in His grace, and fills our cups overflowing with His love.

"Everyone loved Rachel at our retreat. Young singles to elderly women could apply to their own lives the Scriptural truths she wove through her life experiences. We hope to have her back again!" ~ Barbara Pinkham, coordinator for Covenant United Reformed Church, North Carolina

"Rachel was wonderful! She connected very well with our audience. We had a wide range of women attend and they all loved her. Our theme was Stepping Out with Jesus. Her Secrets of the Yahweh Sisterhood illustrated ways that we needed to step out and trust Jesus, regardless of our circumstances. She made sure that she was available after she was finished speaking, and seemed to be talking to women on a steady basis. I've heard lots of positive comments from the women who attended. They wanted to know, "How did you find her? We loved her!" ~ Jaci Gordon, coordinator for Lutheran Church of Hope, Iowa

"You have a wonderful way about you when you speak to be so transparent with the women in your audience and sincere and that is so important today! You touched the hearts of both the Christian woman and the unsaved - which is a challenging task at hand really for a speaker. So, thanks so much again." ~ Charlene Klingen, coordinator for Cornerstone Chrisitan Church of Wyckoff, NJ

"We found Rachel to be very relatable and transparent as she shared her message with the women. I found her extremely easy to work with and very adaptable when plans or schedules changed. She also was very warm and friendly to the women that attended and was very gracious and available to talk with the women. She received very positive comments from our evaluation/comments cards and I would invite her back to speak without hesitation. When I dropped her off at the airport I truly felt as if I had made a new friend instead of just an acquaintance." ~ Carolynn Kaetterhenry, coordinator for Family Bible Church of Oak Harbor, Washington

"Rachel is a natural born encourager and dynamic communicator!"~ LysaTerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Some of my favorite things in no particular order:books that expand my mind and faith, Starbucks coffee frappachinos, Dove dark chocolate, worship music that ushers me to God's throne room, music that makes me walk faster on my treadmill, girlfriends' nights out, wide open spaces, getting a pedicure, history when its told well, vacationing with my family, the smell of puppy's breath, a day with nothing pressing to do but sit at the beach with a book, fresh fruit, bubble baths, curling up at night to watch a movie with my family, scented soy candles, napping, mopping my kitchen floor, and finding the perfect accessory, on sale of course.

I'm Southern at heart. Born and bred in the valleys of Virgina, I now live with my husband and two children on the North Carolina coast. The fresh salt air, the sound of the waves, and the sun sparkling off the water does my soul good. It seems easier to connect with God's heart and reorder my priorities when gazing into the blue-green sea.

I have a master's degree in communication, from Regent University, and teach part-time at our local university, where my husband is my boss. He's the chair of the communication studies department. I'm thankful Rick and I share many of the same passions and professions. It helps us understand each other's lives outside the walls of our home. And I simply could not do what I do when I travel and speak without his support, guidance and willingness to help with the kids (and laundry). We've been married about 15 years and have 2 sweet children under the age of 12.

In addition to teaching, I work with Proverbs 31 Ministries as a writer, editor and speaker. Words and wrting are a passion of mine. My latest writing venture is writing Chrisitan books for women. I'm a word-nerd at heart who has fallen in love with the Word Made Flesh.

What Others Are Saying

"Rachel has a wonderful way about her when she speaks to be so transparent with the women in the audience and sincere. She touched the hearts of both the Christian woman and the unsaved - which is a challenging task for a speaker." ~Charlene Klingen, coordinator for Cornerstone Chrisitan Church of New Jersey

"Everyone loved Rachel at our retreat. Young singles to elderly women could apply to their own lives the Scriptural truths she wove through her life experiences. We hope to have her back again!" ~Barbara Pinkham, coordinator for Covenant United Reformed Church, North Carolina

"Rachel was wonderful! I've heard lots of positive comments from the women who attended. They wanted to know, "How did you find her? We loved her!" ~Jaci Gordon, coordinator for Lutheran Church of Hope, Iowa

"We found Rachel to be very relatable and transparent as she shared her message with the women. I found her extremely easy to work with and adaptable when plans or schedules changed. She also was very warm and friendly to the women that attended and was very gracious and available to talk with the women. She received very positive comments from our evaluation/comments cards and I would invite her back to speak without hesitation." ~Carolynn Kaetterhenry, coordinator for Family Bible Church of Oak Harbor, Washington

"Rachel Olsen is a natural born encourager and a dynamic communicator!" ~Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries

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I am a woman, hit or miss, aiming to savor life in Christ. I'm after a happy, productive life that honors Him.
I'm also a married mother of two, an author, a national women's speaker, and a university teacher.